Flying car takes off as Indonesia's new capital takes flight
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Indonesia's futuristic dream for its new capital, Nusantara, took a step closer to reality with the successful test flight of a flying car prototype.
The prototype successfully completed a 10-minute test flight on July 30, performing a figure-eight manoeuvre at 50 km per hour and an altitude of 50 metres at the airport in Samarinda, about 100 kilometres from Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital still under construction.
"Indonesia's unique geography and rapid urbanization make it an ideal testing ground for urban air mobility solutions," said Cheol-ung Kim, a executive in charge of urban air mobility business development Hyundai Motor Group.
"We're committed to collaborating with the Indonesian government and industry to make this vision a reality."
The flying taxis, equipped with distributed electric propulsion and multiple rotors, can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for long runways, officials said. They are also designed to be quieter than helicopters, reducing noise pollution in urban areas.
While the technology is still in its early stages, the Indonesian government is optimistic about its potential to transform transportation in the archipelago nation.
Nusantara, located on the island of Borneo, is being designed as a smart and sustainable city, and flying taxis are seen as a key part of that vision.
Muhammad Ali Berawi, deputy for green and digital transformation at the Nusantara Capital City Authority, hailed the test as a significant milestone.
"Nusantara is designed as a living laboratory for innovation, and this successful test flight is a testament to our commitment to cutting-edge technologies like urban air mobility," he said.
Outgoing President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, unveiled plans in 2019 to establish a new capital.
As he nears the end of his presidency this October, after a decade in power, the relocation of the capital to Nusantara stands as his signature initiative.
Ref: Flying car takes off as Indonesia's new capital takes flight (yahoo)
